Business · Malaysia Bureau
Singapore employment surge accelerates in third quarter
Job creation in Singapore more than doubled in the third quarter, driven primarily by expansion in essential services and the public sector. Export-oriented industries, however, continued to face headwinds from ongoing global economic uncertainty.
LSN Malaysia ·
Singapore's labour market showed renewed momentum in the third quarter, with employment growth reaching 27,700 positions, more than double the pace recorded in the previous period. The acceleration reflected a bifurcated economy, with certain sectors recovering faster than others amid the complex global environment. Official figures released by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower indicated that gains were concentrated in essential services and public administration, which continued to hire at a steady pace. The growth underscored the resilience of domestically-focused industries even as external demand remained constrained. In contrast, outward-oriented sectors, particularly those dependent on international trade and tourism, continued to struggle with subdued activity. Manufacturing and export-related services reported modest employment changes, reflecting persistent caution among businesses facing uncertain global demand conditions. Economists noted that the divergence between sheltered and exposed sectors suggests the broader recovery remains uneven. The overall expansion in headcount, while encouraging, highlighted the importance of monitoring whether momentum can broaden beyond domestic-focused industries as global conditions stabilise.